Task 1 - Long reading

Read the following text about the impact of artificial light on the environment and answer the 15 questions.

The Dark Side of Light Pollution

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For millennia, the rhythm of life on Earth was dictated by natural cycles of light and darkness. However, in just over a century, human activity has drastically altered this fundamental pattern with the widespread adoption of artificial illumination. This phenomenon, known as light pollution, is the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial outdoor light. It manifests in several forms, including skyglow (the brightening of the night sky over populated areas), light trespass (light spilling into unwanted areas), and glare (excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort). While artificial light offers many benefits, its uncontrolled use has significant ecological and health consequences.

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One of the most concerning impacts of light pollution is on wildlife. Many nocturnal animals, from insects to mammals, rely on natural darkness for hunting, navigating, reproducing, and protecting themselves from predators. Artificial light can disrupt these behaviours, leading to disoriented birds colliding with illuminated buildings, sea turtle hatchlings mistakenly heading inland towards artificial lights instead of the ocean, and insect populations dwindling due to being attracted and exhausted by bright lamps. The delicate balance of ecosystems is being altered by this pervasive light.

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Human health is also at risk. Exposure to artificial light at night, particularly blue-rich light from electronic devices and some LED streetlights, can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep cycles. This disruption to the circadian rhythm can lead to sleep disorders, and some studies suggest a link to more serious health issues like obesity, depression, and certain types of cancer. The quality of human sleep and overall well-being are therefore compromised by excessive nighttime illumination.

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Economically, light pollution represents wasted energy. Much of the light emitted upwards or sideways from poorly designed fixtures does not serve its intended purpose of illuminating the ground. This contributes to unnecessary energy consumption, increasing carbon emissions and adding to electricity bills. Implementing smart lighting solutions, such as shielded fixtures that direct light downwards, dimmers, and motion sensors, can significantly reduce this waste and its associated costs while still providing adequate illumination where needed.

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Addressing light pollution requires a multi-faceted approach. Education is key to raising awareness about its effects. Policy changes, such as adopting lighting ordinances that promote "dark-sky friendly" practices, are also vital. Individuals can contribute by choosing outdoor lighting that is fully shielded, using lower intensity bulbs, and turning off unnecessary lights. By taking collective action and making conscious choices about how we illuminate our nights, we can restore the natural darkness that is essential for both environmental health and human well-being.